A very belated update due to my busy work schedule.
I had an absolute blast at Jamala Wildlife Lodge for my 50th. It is by far one of the most stunning and impactful animal experiences I have had to date…. the quality of accomodation put australia zoo to shame. The accomodation and overall experience was stunning and unlike anything else I have seen in Australian Zoos.
Updates and Thoughts
I was immensely impressed with the messaging and overall theme of animal welfare throughout my time there. Throughout any encounter I did it was made clear it was voluntary, collaborative and ultimately served the purpose of foundational training rather than just me taking far too many photos and videos with baby talk. Despite all of this I was a little disappointed by the repeated enclosures and at times the confusing pathways. That and it may have been decades since I worked in a zoo but there is one of the fattest meerkats I have yet ever seen in a zoo here. I did not encounter the ‘rescue’ term that
@scallywag2024 heard. When I asked the only animal I was informed that was rescued was about lovely Otay whose story I had not encountered and made me teary.
I was incredibly impressed and had an almost private walk with a lovely young woman who was knowledgeable about the happenings of the place throughout our morning together.
By far my highlight was that of the Sri Lankan Leopard. The young leopardess was very confident and unfazed by visitors and even confidently watched the white lions wander up the hill. I learned that a young male leopard is set to be exported to Singapore Zoo to breed.
The porcupine exhibit is looking finished but I forgot to ask if they had arrived or finished quarantining.
Do porcupines need to quarantine?
In addition to my updates and thoughts I asked questions others raised.
There are no plans that could be shared in regards to Hippos or sloths however that the next few years we’re looking to be exciting and to watch social media closely.
I could not get clarity as to where they were going but there is 1.1 otters leaving the Zoo.
One red panda I could see near a mixed giraffe and zebra habitat but only after having this pointed out by a member of staff.
Tree Kangaroos are trying to breed but the female is a tad bit overweight but on a diet. The keeper mentioned that this was a common issue inhibiting breeding and the weight due to quite a few big words I shan’t have remembered
No more agoutis at the zoo but potteroos in primate habitats and aviaries doing the same job and allowing for storytelling.
I chatted to a very lovely volunteer who does so with primates and was confidently informed that Mocha is from Shoalhaven Zoo and is very small due to a heart condition. She also mentioned that this was possibly due to her being quite inbred unfortunately.
She also informed me that the Pygmy’s are from Symbio Wildlife Park and that volunteers were told that Adora had been apart of the pet trade.!
Separately on my lovely guided walk I inquired about the eland and was informed he was rejected at birth by his mom at Altina before being paired with an Angus cow… called Angus, Adorable!
